Maximizing room and
comfort aboard is a daunting task for designers and builders. Big boats
obviously have big space to work with, but when you get down around 40
feet, just a few feet--and in some cases even inches--can make
a world of difference. So just how much space can you build into a 40-foot
aft-cabin cruiser? In the case of Meridian's 408, the answer is
plenty.

The 408 is the first
really new model from newly created (last summer) Meridian Yachts, part
of the Brunswick Boat Group, which includes such familiar brands as Sea
Ray and Bayliner. With relatives like those, buyers are bound to expect
generous helpings of room and comfort, and they won't be disappointed.

Take the galley-down
setup, for example. Here I found lots of workspace for food preparation
atop the Karadon counters, along with enough cabinet and drawer stowage
for a week's worth of stores. Standard appliances include a three-burner
stovetop, Sharp microwave, Princess convection oven, and Norcold refrigerator/freezer.
The sole is Pergo, a laminate that looks like wood and is both durable
and easy to maintain. However, it was the headroom here that most impressed
me and made the area seem larger than it is. I measured eight and a half
feet from sole to overhead.

Another nice touch that
illustrates the judicious use of space aboard is the optional Splendide
combo washer/dryer that's neatly tucked in a compartment under the
steps that lead from the saloon to the galley. The steps lift easily via
a gas-assisted ram, and a pair of lights in the compartment illuminates
the interior space.

It doesn't stop
there. The saloon, with 6'8" of headroom, has large, two-tiered windows
on both sides to make the room light and airy. The Mirage leather couch
to port is actually a trio of reclining sectionals, and as I found out,
a gentle tug on a leather strap on each effortlessly transforms it into
a comfortable lounger.

A J-shape couch to port,
which has stowage beneath it and also converts to a berth, provides additional
seating. A hi-lo coffee table adjoins it. Additional stowage areas include
a pair of end tables and, on the end of the aft-most recliner, a slide-out
cabinet for holding magazines or books. An entertainment center is aft
and to port and features both a Sony 24-inch TV and DVD player.

The two-stateroom, two-head
layout also exemplifies a good combination of space and comfort. The forepeak
has a centerline queen berth with stowage in three drawers in the berth's
base and two closets. My test boat also had the optional 13-inch TV and
DVD installed here. There's an entrance to the day head from these
quarters--there's also one opposite the galley--and a
large hatch overhead with screen and blackout slide provides light and
air to the sleeping space.